Can You Defeat INDIA? Mamata As Oppn Puts Up United Face Against BJP Ahead Of 2024 Lok Sabha Polls

The Opposition leaders said that INDIA's fight was against the autocracy and "politics of hatred" practised by the BJP.

From left: Opposition leaders Uddhav Thackeray, Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, and Rahul Gandhi.

Opposition leaders on Tuesday slammed the BJP and its NDA allies for allegedly threatening the values and democracy of India. The united Opposition, now called INDIA, or Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, met on Tuesday to decide on key issues in the run up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The meeting was attended by 26 Opposition parties. The convener for the united Opposition at the next meeting in Mumbai, said Congress president Mallikatjun Kharge. 

At a press briefing after the meeting, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday challenged the NDA, asking if it can defeat I-N-D-I-A, the alliance of the Opposition. "Can you challenge India? Our campaign will be under the banner of I-N-D-I-A. Catch us if you can," she said. She also accused the BJP of "buying and selling" the country and its democracy. "They [BJP] don't let any independent agency do its work. If anyone supports or speaks in favour of the Opposition, the ED or CBI will be at their doorstep the very next day.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, too, accused the BJP-led Centre of "selling the country's resources". He said: "PM Modi could have done a lot for the nation in the last nine years. However, he left no stone unturned to ruin the country in every sector." "From Railways to airports — he has either sold or ruined everything."

Former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray sought to reply to PM Modi's "dynast" jibe. He said: "Some people are saying that we are fighting to save our families. Yes, the country is our family and we are fighting together to save it." Speaking on the allegations of ideological differences between the Opposition parties, he said: "In a democracy, different viewpoints are needed."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the INDIA's fight was against the BJP and PM Modi's ideology. "The BJP is attacking India, unemployment and price rise are rampant, and the country's wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few close to PM Modi. The country's voice is being suppressed. We decided to fight for the nation's voice. This is why we chose the name I-N-D-I-A," Gandhi said. "You all know who wins when someone stands against India," he added.